By Our correspondent
A retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ozo Celestine Okoye, has sounded the alarm on the escalating kidnapping activities in Awka, Anambra State, particularly in the Dubai Estate area, which he described as a danger zone.
Okoye, who is also an Awka High Chief, revealed that his life is under threat from suspected cultists after he refused to assist them in securing bail for their members in police custody.
According to Okoye, the threats emerged after he declined to intervene in the cases of cult members arrested by the police.
He lamented that some influential individuals in Awka are sponsoring cultists and kidnappers, further exacerbating the insecurity in the area.
Okoye cited several recent kidnapping cases in Awka, including the abduction of a newly-married couple with a ransom demand of N30 million.
The retired DIG expressed frustration over the worsening insecurity in Awka, blaming the government, security agencies, and parents for not fulfilling their responsibilities.
He noted that security issues in Anambra State are being unnecessarily politicized. Okoye recalled that he had previously arranged to meet with Governor Chukwuma Soludo to discuss the security situation and offer his advice, but the Governor later canceled the meeting at the last minute and has not rescheduled.
Okoye also criticized parents for neglecting their responsibilities and sometimes taking actions that hinder police investigations. He gave an example of how family members of cultists often bury their bodies quickly without informing the police, undermining investigations.
In contrast, Okoye noted that Nnewi has a more organized local security system, including street cameras, which have improved their security situation.
In response, Anambra State Commissioner for Homeland Matters, Chief Chikodi Anarah, stated that the state is actively addressing insecurity issues, conducting 24-hour operations, and making arrests.
Anarah emphasized that combating insecurity involves top and prominent individuals in Awka, noting that the Anambra State government has previously sought partnership with Awka’s leadership to fight insecurity.
Okoye’s warnings and allegations highlight the need for urgent attention to address the growing insecurity in Awka
